Due to rising minimum wages, fast food giant Wendy’s is set to replace their workers with self-serving kiosks.
The “Fight for 15” campaign, a fight from food service workers to raise the minimum wage to $15, has been successful in New York and California thus far, and fast food workers in other states are pushing for the same wage increase. Wendy’s executives warned that rising wages would force the company to automate its jobs.
Wendy’s, known for their Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers and the newly implemented 4-for-4, will not require franchisees to install the new self-service kiosks. However, according to Wendy’s President Todd Penegor, some franchises will instead raised food costs to help offset the new minimum wage.
If 6,000 of Wendy’s restaurants opt for machines, according to FOX 32 Chicago, 15,000 total jobs would be lost.
And Wendy’s isn’t the only company who will opt for food-ordering machines. Carl’s Jr. and White Castle have also toyed with the idea of using self-service options.
The touch screen kiosks at Wendy’s will begin installation by the end of the year.
